Q: Can zippers go in a tumble dryer?
They can, with care, but the dryer is where many zipper problems begin. High heat softens molded resin teeth, can distort a nylon coil and may delaminate a coated or laminated tape. Metal teeth become hot enough to press into the surrounding fabric, and a tumbling slider can chip paint or scratch adjacent panels.
Use the lowest heat setting, remove the garment promptly when the cycle ends, and keep the zipper closed so the teeth are protected. If the care label allows line drying, prefer it, especially for waterproof garments, where heat and mechanical action both stress the seam tape and the zipper's sealed surfaces.
Watch for the warning signs after drying: a slider that suddenly drags, a chain that will not close cleanly, or a tape that has become wavy. These usually indicate heat damage rather than dirt, and they will not improve with use. For resin chains, a soft tooth that deforms under thumb pressure is a clear sign the dryer exceeded the material's service temperature.